Below you will find a list of the 27 Nakshatras with some of their characteristics. The Nakshatras represent the 27 phases of the Moons cycle, where the Moon stays in each Nakshatra about one day a month (13 degrees and 20 minutes of the whole circle). Listed below are the Shaktis carried by the Nakshatras– the kundalini (power) activated by the Nakshatras, and where each emits a unique “flavor” of consciousness that grows life when activated.
The Nakshatras’ degree placement is shown in both the Vedic, sidereal zodiac, and the Western, tropical zodiac around 24 degrees apart. While the Vedic, sidereal zodiac is based on the Sun’s actual position in the sky related to the stars, as you see them when you look up at night, the Western, tropical zodiac is based on the seasons and equinoxes on Earth. Therefore, the Western tropical zodiac starts at zero degrees Aries – the first sign in the zodiac. Both zodiacs are valid and can be used to calculate a horoscope. However, the Nakshatras are a separate branch of astrology that isn’t dependent on either of these zodiacs.
- ASHWINI – the star of transport (Sidereal sign degrees Aries 0°0 – Aries 13°20/Tropical sign degrees Aries 23°51 – Taurus 7°11)
HORSEMEN – Deity: Asvins – twin horseman. The symbol for Asvini Nakshatra is a Horses Head and the animal is the Male Horse.
The Shakti of Ashwini Nakshatra is the power to reach things quickly. The result of Ashwini is the world becoming free from disease.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The two harnessed horses of the The Two Charioteers is the community from above and the army from below.
The yoni of Ashwini is the Horse. It’s a light and swift mineral Nakshatra, part of the Brahma Trimurti, and a Dharma Nakshatra.
- BHARANI – Yoni – Star of Restraint (Sidereal sign degrees Aries 13°20 – Aries 26°40/Tropical sign degrees Taurus 7°11 – Taurus 20°31)
BEARERS – Deity: Yama – Death. The symbol for Bharani Nakshatra is the Vulva/Yoni, and the animal is the Male Elephant.
The Shakti of Bharani Nakshatra is the power to take things away. The result of Bharani is moving on to the next world.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The bearing away of The Restrainer is drawing away from above and carrying away from below.
The yoni of Bharani is the Elephant. It’s a cruel and violent plant Nakshatra, part of the Vishnu Trimurti, and a Artha Nakshatra.
- KRITTIKA – Knife – Star of Fire (Sidereal sign degrees Aries 26°40 – Taurus 10°0/Tropical sign degrees Taurus 20°31 – Gemini 3°51)
RAZOR, CUTTER – Deity: Agni – Fire. The symbol for Krittika Nakshatra is the Blade and the animal is the Female Sheep/Goat.
The Shakti of Krittika Nakshatra is the power to burn. The result of Krittika is burning or purification.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The white spots of Fire are bright from above and light from below.
The yoni of Krittika is the female sheep/goat. It’s a sharp and mixed animal Nakshatra, part of the Shiva Trimurti, and a Kama Nakshatra.
- ROHINI – Red One – Star of Ascent (Sidereal sign degrees Taurus 10°0 – Taurus 23°20/Tropical sign degrees Gemini 3°51 – Gemini 17°11)
RUDDY COW, GROWTH – Deity: Prajapati – Creator. The symbol for Rohini is a Bull pulling a Cart/Chariot and the animal is the Male Serpent.
The Shakti of Rohini Nakshatra is the power to grow. The result of Rohini is creation.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The red growing of The Creator is water from above and the receptacles of light from below.
The yoni of Rohini is the Serpent. It’s a fixed and firm mineral Nakshatra, part of the Brahma Trimurti, and a Moksha Nakshatra.
- MRIGASHIRA – Deer Head – Star of Searching (Sidereal sign degrees Taurus 23°20 – Gemini 6°40/Tropical sign degrees Gemini 17°11 – Cancer 0°31)
HEAD OF A DEER – Deity: Soma – god of immortality. The symbol for Mrigashira Nakshatra is the Deers Head and the animal is the Female Serpent.
The Shakti of Mrigashira Nakshatra is the power of giving fulfillment. The result of Mrigashira is to make the world enjoyable.
Translation of the Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittriya Brahmana:
The diminutive pervadings of the Moon are diffusions from above and weaving from below.
The yoni of Mrigashira is the Female Snake. It’s a soft and friendly Nakshatra, part of the Vishnu Trimurti, and a Moksha Nakshatra.
- ARDRA – Teardrop – Star of Emotion (Sidereal sign degrees Gemini 6°40 – Gemini 20°0/Tropical sign degrees Cancer 0°31– Cancer 13°51)
MOIST – Deity: Rudra – god of storm. The symbol for Ardra Nakshatra is a Rain Drop/Tear Drop and the animal is the Female Dog.
The Shakti of Ardra Nakshatra is the power of effort. The result of Ardra brings about achievement.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The two arms of The Howling are deer and grain from above and the caustic from below.
The yoni of Ardra is the Dog. It’s a sharp and harsh Nakshatra, part of the Shiva Trimurti, and a Kama Nakshatra.
- PUNARVASU – Arrows – Star of Renewal (Sidereal sign degrees Gemini 20°0 – Cancer 3°20’/Tropical sign degrees Cancer 13°51 – Cancer 27°11)
RESTORING GOOD – Deity: Aditi – mother of the Gods The symbol for Punarvasu Nakshatra is The Bow and the animal is the Female Cat.
The Shakti of Punarvasu Nakshatra is the power to gain wealth or substance. The result of Punarvasu is the revitalization of plants.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The restoration of good for The Undivided is wind from above and moisture from below.
The yoni of Punarvasu is the Cat. It’s a moving and unsteady Nakshatra, part of the Brahma Trimurti, and an Artha Nakshatra.
- PUSHYA – Cow Udder – Star of Nourishment (Sidereal sign degrees Cancer 3°20 – Cancer 16°40/Tropical sign degrees Cancer 27°11 – Leo 10°31)
NOURISHMENT, FLOWER, THE BEST – Deity: Brihaspati – Guru of the Devas. The symbol for Pushya Nakshatra is the Udder of cow/Lotus and the animal is the Male Goat.
The Shakti of Pushya Nakshatra is the power to create spiritual energy. The result of Pushya is the creation of spiritual energy.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The auspiciousness of The Lord of Devotion is worshipping from above and the worshippers from below.
The yoni of Pushya is the Sheep. Its a light and swift plant Nakshatra, part of the Vishnu Trimurti, and a Dharma Nakshatra.
- ASLESHA – Snake – Clinging star (Sidereal sign degrees Cancer 16°0 – Cancer 30°0/Tropical sign degrees Leo 10°31 – Leo 23°51)
ENTWINING – Deity: Sarpas – serpents. The symbol for Aslesha Nakshatra is the Serpent and the animal is the Male Cat.
The Shakti of Aslesha Nakshatra is the power to inflict with poison. The result of Aslesha is the destruction of the victim.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The embraces of The Serpents are approaching indirectly from above and indirectly dancing towards from below.
The yoni of Aslesha is the Cat. Its a sharp and harsh animal Nakshatra, part of the Shiva Trimurti, and a Dharma Nakshatra.
- MAGHA – Throne – Star of Power (Sidereal sign degrees Leo 0°0 – Leo 13°20/Tropical sign degrees Leo 23°51 – Virgo 7°11)
REWARD, BOUNTY – Deity: The Pitris – Ancestral Fathers. The symbol for Magha Nakshatra is the Trone and the animal is the Male Rat.
The Shakti of Magha Nakshatra is the power to leave the body. The result of Magha is death.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The gifts of The Ancestors are crying from above and the fallen down from below.
The yoni of Magha is the Rat. It’s a cruel and violent mineral Nakshatra, part of the Brahma Trimurti, and an Artha Nakshatra.
- PURVA PHALGUNI – Foot of Bed – Star of Fortune (Sidereal sign degrees Leo 13°20 – Leo 26°40/Tropical sign degrees Virgo 7°11– Virgo 20°31)
PREVIOUS RED ONE – Deity: Aryama – Sun as a friend, beloved. The symbol for Purva Phalguni Nakshatra is the Hammock and the animal is the Female Rat.
The Shakti of Purva phalguni Nakshatra is the power of procreation. The result of Purvaphalguni is the creation of the fetus.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The reddish at the early of The Companion is wife from above and a male from below.
The yoni of Purva phalguni is the Rat. It’s a cruel and violent plant Nakshatra, part of the Vishnu Trimurti, and a Kama Nakshatra.
- UTTARA PHALGUNI – Head of bed – Star of Patronage (Sidereal sign degrees Leo 26°40’– Virgo 10°0/Tropical sign degrees Virgo 20°31 – Libra 3°51)
LATER RED ONE – Deity: Bhaga – the Sun as bliss. The symbol for Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra is the Legs of the Cot/Bed and the animal is the Bull.
The Shakti of Uttara phalguni Nakshatra is the power to give prosperity through union or marriage. The result of Uttaraphalguni is the accumulation of wealth.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
(The reddish) at the concluding of The Dispenser is strong flow from above and flowing wishes from below.
The yoni of Uttara phalguni is the Bull. It’s a fixed and firm animal Nakshatra, part of the Shiva Trimurti, and a Moksha Nakshatra.
- HASTA – Hand – Star of the Golden-Handed (Sidereal sign degrees Virgo 10°0 – Virgo 23°20/Tropical sign degrees Libra 3°51 – Libra 17°11)
HAND – Deity: Savitar – Sun as inspiration. The symbol for Hasta Nakshatra is the Palm/Hand and the animal is the Female Buffalo.
The Shakti of Hasta Nakshatra is the power to gain what one is seeking and place it in one´s hand. The result of Hasta is to put what one wishes to gain in one’s hand.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmans:
The hand of The Vivifier is the delivery from above and the acquisition from below.
The yoni of Hasta is the Buffalo. It’s a light and swift mineral Nakshatra, part of the Brahma Trimurti, and a Moksha Nakshatra.
- CHITRA – Jewel – Star of Opportunity (Sidereal sign degrees Virgo 23°20 – Libra 6°40’/Tropical sign degrees Libra 17 °11 – Scorpio 0°31)
BRIGHT, DISTINGUISHED – Deity: Visvakarma – divine architect. The symbol for Chitra Nakshatra is a Shinning Jewel and the animal is the Female Tiger.
The Shakti of Chitra Nakshatra is the power to accumulate merit in life. The result of Chitra is to gain honor in one’s work.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The brights of The Conqueror is right from above and truth from below.
The yoni of Chitra is the Tiger. It’s a soft and friendly plant Nakshatra, part of the Vishnu Trimurti, and a Kama Nakshatra.
- SWATI – Sword – Star of Independence (Sidereal sign degrees Libra 6°40’ – Libra 20°0’/Tropical sign degrees Scorpio 0°31’ – Scorpio 13°51)
SWORD – Deity: Vayu – Wind. The symbol for Swati Nakshatra is A Young Sprout and the animal is the Male Buffalo.
The Shakti of Swati Nakshatra is the power to scatter like the wind. The result of Swati is transformation.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The strange things of Wind are the spreading from above and the non-accomplishment from below.
The yoni of Swati is the Buffalo. It’s a moving and unsteady animal Nakshatra, part of the Shiva Trimurti, and an Artha Nakshatra.
- VISHAKHA – Archway – Star of Purpose (Sidereal sign degrees Libra 20°0’ – Scorpio 3°20’/Tropical sign degrees Scorpio 13°51 – Scorpio 27°11)
BRANCHED – Deity: Indrigani – god of lightning & fire. The symbol for Vishakha Nakshatra is Two-Branched/The Forked and the animal is the Male Tiger.
The Shakti of Vishakha Nakshatra is the power to achieve many and various fruits. The result of Vishakha is the fruit of the harvest.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The branched of The Conqueror and The Fire are yokes from above and crops from below.
The yoni of Vishakha is the Tiger. It’s a delicately sharp and mixed mineral Nakshatra, part of the Brahma Trimurti, and a Dharma Nakshatra.
- ANURADHA – Lotus – Star of Success (Sidereal sign degrees Scorpio 3°20’ – Scorpio 16°40’/Tropical sign degrees Scorpio 27°11 – Sagittarius 10°31)
SUBSEQUENT SUCCESS, FOLLOWING RADHA – Deity: Mitra – divine friend, lord of compassion. The symbol of Anuradha Nakshatra is the Triumphal Gateway/Lotus and the animal is the Female Deer.
The Shakti of Anuradha Nakshatra is the power to worship, devotion. The result of Anuradha is honor and abundance.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The well beings along with the gifts of The Friend is ascending towards from above and the ascended to from below.
The yoni of Anuradha is the Deer (and Female Hare). It’s a soft and friendly plant Nakshatra, part of the Vishnu Trimurti, and a Dharma Nakshatra.
- JYESHTHA – Umbrella – Chief Star (Sidereal sign degrees Scorpio 16°40’ – Scorpio 30°0/Tropical sign degrees Sagittarius 10°31 – Sagittarius 23°51)
ELDEST – Deity: Indra – god of thunder. The symbol for Jyeshtha Nakshatra is a Round Protective Amulet and the animal is the Male Deer.
The Shakti of Jyeshtha Nakshatra is the power to rise or conquer, gain courage in battle. The result of Jyeshtha is that one becomes a hero.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The red growing of The Conqueror is attacking from above and attacking in return from below.
The yoni of Jyeshtha is the Deer (and Male Hare). It’s a sharp and hard animal Nakshatra, part of the Shiva Trimurti, and an Artha Nakshatra.
- MULA – Roots – Foundation Star (Sidereal sign degrees Sagittarius 0°0’ – Sagittarius 13°20’/Tropical sign degrees Sagittarius 23°51’ – Capricorn 7°11)
ROOT, COMMENCEMENT – Deity: Nirritti – goddess of disaster, Alaksmi. The symbol for Mula Nakshatra are the Tangled Roots and the animal is the Male Dog.
The Shakti of Mula Nakshatra is the power to ruin or destroy. The result of Mula is the power to destroy.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The uprootings for The Without Motion is fracturing from above and breaking into pieces from below.
The yoni of Mula is the Dog. It’s a sharp and harsh mineral Nakshatra, part of the Brahma Trimurti, and a Kama Nakshatra.
- PURVA SHADHA – Elephant Tusk – Fan – Invincible Star (Sidereal sign degrees Sagittarius 13°20’ – Sagittarius 26°40’/Tropical sign degrees Capricorn 7°11’ – Capricorn 20°31 )
PREVIOUS INVINCIBLE – Deity: Apas – goddess of Water. The symbol for Purva Shadha Nakshatra is the Winnowing basket/Hand Fan and the animal is the Male Monkey.
The Shakti of Purvashadha Nakshatra is the power of invigoration. The result of Purvashadha is the gain of luster.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The earlier victories of The Waters is vigor from above and a battle from below.
The yoni of Purvashadha is the Monkey. It’s a cruel and violent plant Nakshatra, part of the Vishnu Trimurti, and a Moksha Nakshatra.
- UTTARA SHADHA – Elephant Tusk – Universal Star (Sidereal sign degrees Sagittarius 26°40’ – Capricorn 10°0’/Tropical sign degrees Capricorn 20°11– Aquarius 3°51)
LATER INVINCIBLE – Deity: Visvadevas – Universal Gods. The symbol for Uttara shadha is the Tusk of an elephant and the animal is the Male Mongoose.
The Shakti of Uttara shadha Nakshatra is the power to grant an unchallengeable victory. The result of Uttara shadha is to become the unchallenged winner.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The concluding victories of All Divine Lords is superiorly conquering from above and complete victory from below.
The yoni of Uttara shadha is the Mongoose. It’s a fixed and firm animal Nakshatra, part of the Shiva Trimurti, and a Moksha Nakshatra.
- SHRAVANA – Ear – Star of Learning (Sidereal sign degrees Capricorn 10°0’ – Capricorn 23°20/Tropical sign degrees Aquarius 3°51 – Aquarius 17°11)
HEARING – Deity: Vishnu – the Pervader. The symbol for Shravana Nakshatra is an Ear and the animal is the Female Monkey.
The Shakti of Sravana Nakshatra is the power of connection. The result of Shravana is the connection of all things.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The cripples of The All Pervasive are inquiring ideas from above and the paths from below.
The yoni of Shravana is the Monkey. It’s a moving and unsteady mineral Nakshatra, part of the Brahma Trimurti, and an Artha Nakshatra.
- DHANISHTA – Drum – Star of Symphony (Sidereal sign degrees Capricorn 23°20’– Aquarius 6°40’/Tropical sign degrees Aquarius 17°11 – Pisces 0°31)
VERY RICH, VERY SWIFT – Deity: Vasus – gods of Light and Abundance. The symbol for Dhanishta Nakshatra is the Drum and the animal is the Female Lion.
The Shakti of Dhanishta Nakshatra is the power to give abundance and fame. The result of Dhanishta is bringing people together.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The most famous ones of The Excellent Ones are the past from above and the thriving from below.
The yoni of Dhanishta is the Lion. It’s a moving and unsteady plant Nakshatra, part of the Vishnu Trimurti, and a Dharma Nakshatra.
- SHATABHISHA – Circle – Veiling Star (Sidereal sign degrees Aquarius 6°40’ – Aquarius 20°0’/Tropical sign degrees Pisces 0°31 – Pisces 13°51)
100 DOCTORS – Deity: Varuna – god of Water. The symbol for Shatabhisha Nakshatra is the Empty Circle and the animal is the Female Horse.
The Shakti of Shatabhisha Nakshatra is the power of healing. The result of Shatabhisha is the world freed of calamity.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The 100 cures of The Conqueror are all expanse from above and all earth from below.
The yoni of Shatabhisha is the Horse. It’s a moving and unsteady animal Nakshatra, part of the Shiva Trimurti, and a Dharma Nakshatra.
- PURVA BHADRAPADA – Head of Bed – Scorching Star (Sidereal sign degrees Aquarius 20°0’ – Pisces 3°20’/Tropical sign degrees Pisces 13°51 – Pisces 27°11)
PREVIOUS AUSPICIOUS FOOT – Deity: Aja Ekapada. The symbol for Purva Bhadrapada is a Man with Two Faces/Front Legs of a Funeral Cot and the animal is the Male Lion.
The Shakti of Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra is the power that gives the fire to raise worshiper up in life. The result of Purva Bhadrapada is to support the entire world.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
One foot at the earlier feet of the stool of The Unborn is common to all humans from above and the collective gods from below.
The yoni of Purva Bhadrapada is the Lion. It’s a cruel and violent mineral Nakshatra, part of the Brahma Trimurti, and an Artha Nakshatra.
- UTTARA BHADRAPADA – Foot of Bed – Warrior Star (Sidereal sign degrees Pisces 3°20’ – Pisces 16°40’/Tropical sign degrees Pisces 27°11 – Aries 10°31)
LATER AUSPICIOUS FOOT – Deity: Ahir Budhya – dragon of the depths. The symbol for Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra is The Back Legs of the Funeral Cot/Snake in the Water and the animal is the Female Cow.
The Shakti of Uttara Bhadrapada is the power to bring the rain. The result of Uttara Bhadrapada is stability of the three worlds.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
In the concluding (feet of the stool) of The Serpent at the Deep is sprinkling upon from above and pressing out juice from below.
The yoni of Uttara Bhadrapada is the Cow. It’s a fixed and firm plant Nakshatra, part of the Vishnu Trimurti, and a Kama Nakshatra.
- REVATI – Drum – Star of Wealth (Sidereal sign degrees Pisces 16°40’ – Pisces 30°0’/Tropical sign degrees Aries 10°31 – Aries 23°51)
RICH – Deity: Pushan – Sun as nourisher, fosterer. The symbol for Revati Nakshatra is the Drum/Fish and the animal is the Female Elephant.
The Shakti of Revati Nakshatra is the power of nourishment, symbolized by milk. The result of Revati is the nourishment of the entire world.
Translation of The Nakshatra Sutras from the Taittiriya Brahmana:
The wealthy ones of The Nourisher are the cow from above and calves from below.
The yoni of Revati is the Elephant. It’s a soft and friendly animal Nakshatra, part of the Shiva Trimurti, and a Moksha Nakshatra.
Sources: Nakshatras – the Galactic Zodiac and Energies of the 27 Lunar Mansions, books by Ernst Wilhelm. (Lahiri Ayanamsa = 23°51’)